XAT Syllabus 2023

XAT Syllabus 2023 includes 4 major subjects- Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation,
Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, and General Knowledge. Apart from these,
the XAT 2023 paper will also have an essay writing section that will be evaluated after
the candidate is shortlisted for PI round.

● XAT Verbal & Logical Ability Syllabus comprises topics like grammar, vocabulary,
parajumbles, RC passages, and critical reasoning. Last year, 4 RC passages & 2
poem-based comprehension sets comprising 3 MCQs each were asked. Check
XAT Previous Year Paper Analysis
● XAT Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation Syllabus includes major topics
like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, and DI sets based on graphs,
charts, and caselets.
● XAT Decision Making section is designed to judge a candidate’s problem solving
abilities and critical thinking skills in different situations. XAT DM question paper
will have 7 sets having 3 questions each.
● XAT Exam Pattern has also been revised and as per the updated exam pattern
for XAT 2023, the paper will consist of 101 MCQs and 1 Essay to be attempted in
210 minutes. Check XAT Exam Pattern 2023
● XAT GK Syllabus is the most dynamic and covers both static GK and current
affairs. Candidates must note that marks obtained in XAT exam GK section are
not considered for percentile calculation. These are only considered in the final
stage of selection.
● Candidates must be aware of the important changes introduced in XAT 2023
exam pattern and syllabus, important topics in each section of XAT syllabus to
devise a proper preparation plan. Check XAT Preparation Strategy & Books

Quick Links:

XAT 2021 Question Paper XAT 2020 Question Paper XAT 2019 Question Paper
with Solutions with Solutions with Solutions

XAT 2018 Question Paper XAT 2017 Question Paper XAT 2016 Question Paper
with Solutions with Solutions with Solutions

XAT Syllabus 2023 Highlights

XAT Syllabus 2023 will be divided into 5 sections. The key highlights of these sections
of XAT 2023 Syllabus are tabulated below.
 Number of Time
Part Section Topics
Questions Limit

Critical and Analytical Reasoning,

Verbal and Logical
26 Vocabulary, Reading
Ability
Comprehension, Logical Deductions

Caselet study, Data Arrangement,

175
Part 1 Decision Making 22 Decision making in a given scenario,
minutes
Ethical Dilemma

Quantitative Ability
Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry,
and Data 27
Number System, Arithmetic
Interpretation

Mock Keyboard 5
Part 2 - -
Testing minutes

General
25 Static GK and Current Affairs
Knowledge 30
Part 3
minutes
Essay 1

Note: +1 mark will be awarded to each correct response and -0.25 for every incorrect
response. After 8 unanswered questions, 0.10 marks will be deducted for every
unanswered question.

XAT Syllabus 2023: Key Changes

Candidates must note that XLRI Syllabus and XAT Syllabus are the same. XAT Syllabus
comprises the topics based on their occurrence in the previous years’ XAT papers. The
syllabus for XAT exam 2023 will comprise 5 sections having questions from the major
topics defined in the syllabus. Some major changes introduced in XAT exam pattern
and Syllabus 2023 are given below:

● The number of sections has been increased from 4 to 5 as the essay writing
section has been reintroduced.
 ● XAT Syllabus will have only these 5 sections:
○ Verbal & Logical Ability
○ Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation
○ Decision Making
○ General Awareness
○ Essay
● As per the updated XAT exam pattern, the maximum number of questions in XAT
2023 exam has been fixed to 101.
● The Essay will be evaluated only for candidates shortlisted for the PI round.
● 76 Questions in Part 1 will have a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every
incorrect answer.
● 25 GK questions in Part 3 will not have any negative marking.

Quick Links:

XAT Syllabus for Quant XAT Syllabus for Decision Making XAT Syllabus for GK

XAT Section-wise Syllabus 2023

● Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): 28 Questions will be asked
from this section from topics like mensuration, algebra, geometry, number
system, etc. The difficulty level of this section is usually high, and for this reason,
an accuracy of 70% is considered good.
● Verbal & Logical Ability (VA & LR): Questions in this section are mostly from
topics like critical and analytical reasoning, vocabulary, reading comprehension,
logical deductions, etc. 26 questions of moderate-high level of difficulty will be in
XAT Verbal & Logical Ability section.
● Decision Making (DM): 22 questions will be asked from this section. This section
is an interesting feature of XAT exam and consists of questions from topics such
as caselet study, data arrangement, decision making in a given scenario, ethical
dilemma, etc.
● GK: The section is usually of moderate difficulty and there is no negative marking
for wrong answers. A total of 25 questions carrying 1 mark each will be asked in
this section.
● Essay: 3 topics will be given out of which the candidates will be required to
choose 1 and write a short essay of not more than 250 words.

XAT 2023 Syllabus for each section has been mentioned in the table given below.
 Sections Topics

Ethical Dilemma, Business Decision Making, Complex

Decision Making Arrangement, Caselets, Arrangement of data, Grouping,
Assumptions, Premises, Conclusions

Quantitative Ability Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration, Number System, Geometry,

& Data Mensuration, Percentage, Surds and Indices, Bar Diagrams, Pie
Interpretation Charts, Tables, Data Interpretation.

Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Analogy, Para jumbles,

Verbal and Logical
Verbal reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Error Detection, Fill in the
Ability
Blanks

Management, History, Important personalities, Science &

General
Technology, Economy, Politics, Static GK, Sports, Prizes and
Knowledge
Awards, World, Government, Constitution of India, etc

Essay topics include current affairs, social & economic issues,

Essay
business & management-oriented topics, abstract topics, etc.

Quick Links:

● Check XAT Exam Analysis

● XAT Cut Off

XAT Syllabus 2023: Quantitative Ability and Data

Interpretation (QA & DI)
XAT Syllabus for Quant & DI is vast and covers almost all the topics of maths.
Candidates need to give more attention and extra effort while preparing for this section.
Topics covered are from that of the 10th standard syllabus.

● Quantitative Ability: XLRI has brought significant changes in this section.

Numbers, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry questions have become more
prominent and around 50% of the Quant questions are based on these areas.
Mensuration, Venn diagrams, Numbers are other favorite topics on which
questions are formed in XAT.
 ● Data Interpretation: Data tables, graphs, charts, bar diagrams, data analysis &
comparison are the major topics for DI, and the questions are majorly asked in
sets.
● XAT Quant & DI section is meant to test the student’s calculation and
implementation power.
● 28 questions will be asked from this section and candidates are advised to spend
not more than 2 minutes and 17 seconds to solve each question.
● QA and DI section is considered to be of the highest difficulty level among all
sections.
● For DI, 4- 5 questions and for QA, 13-15 questions would ideally be considered a
good attempt.

Check XAT Preparation Tips for Quant & DI

Important topics for XAT Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation

(Quant & DI)

Geometry Mensuration – 2D and 3D

Probability Algebra Functions

Profit and Loss Speed & Distance

Quadratic Equations Linear Equations

Logarithm Surds and Indices

Statistics Table

Trigonometry Graphs

Arithmetic Heights & Distance

Direction Sense & Time Clocks

 Data Interpretation – Table, Combination Complex Numbers

XAT Syllabus 2023: Verbal and Logical Ability

Verbal & Logical Ability Syllabus for XAT 2023 has been divided into 3 parts viz. Verbal
Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning.

● Verbal Ability: XAT syllabus you need to cover in this part includes questions
based on English vocabulary like fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms,
correction of sentences, use of right words, etc.
● Reading Comprehension: RC forms about 50% of the VALR paper. This part will
take more time to attempt as it involves more concentration and good reading
and analytical skills. The topics for RC could be politics, economics, social
awareness, literature, or abstract.
● 4-5 questions will be based on critical reasoning and will involve analytical
reasoning.
● 26 questions of the objective type will come from this section.
● Since there is no sectional time limit, candidates must on an avaerage spend
around 50 minutes on this section.
● The section can have moderate to high difficulty level questions.
● 18-20 questions would ideally be considered to be a good attempt from this
section.

Check XAT Preparation Tips for Verbal & Logical Ability

Important Topics for XAT Verbal & Logical Ability

English Usage Topics Reading Comprehension Topics

Grammar Culture

The contextual meaning of words Economy

Para completion and para jumble Psychology and social issues

 Error correction Literature and fiction

Vocabulary (Antonyms and Synonyms) Science

Critical Reasoning Narration of Incidents

Arguments -

XAT Syllabus 2023: Decision Making (DM)

XAT Decision Making section is unique to XAT exam because this section is not
included in most of the MBA entrance exams. But there is no need to worry as this
section is not going to be very difficult.

Salient features of XAT 2023 Syllabus for Decision Making are mentioned below:

● The syllabus for this section is decision making in a situation, data arrangement
tests, etc.
● There will be 22 questions in this section.
● The difficulty level of the DM section is moderate.
● XAT Decision Making section has negative marking. Answering 16 – 17
questions will be a good attempt.

Check Preparation Tips for XAT Decision Making

Important Topics for XAT Decision Making

Arithmetic Analytical Reasoning

Situational Conditions and Grouping Test

Data Arrangement Test Reading Comprehension

 Case lets Decision Making in a situation

XAT Syllabus 2023 for General Knowledge (GK)

To score in this section, a candidate needs to remain in constant touch with GK on a
daily basis. Important features of General Knowledge XAT Syllabus 2023 are mentioned
below:

● Topics to be covered in this section are history, politics, author names, business,
economy, current affairs (national and international), etc.
● 25 questions will be asked in total. You will be given 30 minutes to complete this
section and the essay writing section.
● The difficulty level is moderate. Most questions are on current affairs and some
on GK.
● 60:40 breakup is expected for GK and Current Affairs.
● Candidates can go for guesswork as negative marking is not applicable in this
section.
● 12 – 14 questions would ideally be considered to be a good attempt.

Check Preparation Tips for XAT GK

Important Topics for XAT General Knowledge

Politics Nation and States

History Literature

Sports Awards and Recognitions

Business Economics

International Relations Society

Merger & Acquisitions --

Previously asked questions in XAT General Knowledge section
Although, questions in the general knowledge section hold no bounds to a particular
topic as per XAT Syllabus. Still, we have mentioned some of the sample questions to
have an understanding of the type of questions been asked in the GK section.

● Who acquired Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Healthcare?

● Which of the following is not part of VIACOM 18
● Highest import to India
● Which Indian bank was the first to issue “Green Bonds” for financing renewable
and clean energy projects?
● Giga fiber to be launched by which company
● Who is the SBI Chairman?
● What are the names of Parliament Budget Sessions
● Name of Liquid for dissolving Gold
● Name of Rajasthan Snake Dance

Quick Links:

Top XAT Coaching Institutes to Boost Complete list of Best XAT Books with
your Preparation Features and ISBN

XAT Exam Pattern 2023

Particulars Details

XAT 2023 Exam Date January 8, 2023

XAT Exam Duration 210 minutes

Total No. of Questions 105

Type of Questions 101 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Essay

Number of Answer
5
Choices
 1. Verbal & Logical Ability
2. Decision Making
Sections in XAT 2023 3. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
exam 4. General Knowledge
5. Essay Writing

● +1 for every correct answer

XAT 2023 Marking ● -0.25 for every incorrect answer in XAT QADI, VALR,
Scheme and DM sections
● -0.10 for more than 8 unattempted questions

Negative Marking Yes

Best Books for XAT 2023 Preparation

Books play an important role in preparation for any competitive exam as they provide
the latest syllabus for the exam. It is very important to choose the right XAT books which
have been updated as per the revised XAT exam syllabus for comprehensive
preparation. Given below are some section-wise recommended books for candidates
preparing for XAT 2023:

Book name Section Publisher / Author

How to Prepare for Quantitative Quantitative Aptitude &

Arun Sharma
Aptitude for CAT Data Interpretation

Quantitative Aptitude &

Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT Nitish K. Sinha
Data Interpretation

Quantitative Aptitude &

Quantitative Aptitude Gautam Puri
Data Interpretation

Wiley's ExamXpert XAT (Xavier Quantitative Aptitude &

Wiley India (Author)
Aptitude Test) Data Interpretation
 Jabbing the XAT Mock Tests &
Comprehensive R K Jha
Solved Papers

Verbal Ability Comprehension for Verbal Ability & Logical Bharta Patodi and
CAT/ XAT/ IIFT/ CMAT/ MAT Reasoning Aditya Choudhary

Verbal Ability & Logical

How to Prepare for VARC for CAT Arun Sharma
Reasoning

Modern Approach to Verbal & Verbal Ability & Logical

R S Aggarwal
Non-Verbal Reasoning Reasoning

Target XAT (Past Papers + 5 Mock

Comprehensive Disha Experts
Tests)

Objective General Knowledge General Knowledge Lucent’s

General knowledge General Knowledge Arihant

XAT 2023 Preparation Strategy

XAT Syllabus has no defined boundary, candidates appearing for it are suggested to
practice as many sample papers and previous years' question papers as possible.
Listed below are major takeaways for XAT Preparations:

● Before starting the preparations, it is advised to go through all the previous years’
papers to get an idea about all the questions asked in the exam. Doing this will
help a candidate to know about the level of questions that are asked from XAT
Syllabus.
● The importance of solving papers cannot be stressed enough. Go through free
XAT Mock Tests for advanced preparation.
● Candidates must make sure to give equal importance to all the sections in order
to fetch maximum marks to clear the sectional cut-off set by the conducting
authority.
● As the level of exam is difficult, so managing the time in an efficient way will
prove to be an asset.
● For the GK section, it is important to keep oneself updated with both static and
current happenings around the world. As per the trends, knowing about the past
6 months' news will be sufficient for XAT preparation for this section.
 ● Due to the coronavirus pandemic which resulted in a lockdown, it is
recommended that candidates consider online coaching for XAT which is as
helpful as the traditional coaching centers.

Read more XAT 2023 Preparation Tips